Ilex aquifolium 'Alaska' - P9

Description
The Common holly 'Alaska' (Ilex aquifolium) is a dense, pyramidal large shrub with decorative, red, round fruits that stay on for a very long time. These are small. It produces creamy white flowers from May to June. The Common holly 'Alaska' also has shiny, lanceolate, dark green leaves. In a sunny to shady location with well-drained, humus-rich, nutrient-rich soil, it usually reaches a height of approx. 7 metres and grows to a width of approx. 3 metres.

Bulletpoints
* Fruiting ornament * tolerates pruning * Smoke-hardy, cannot be built over

Leaves
The evergreen leaves of Common holly 'Alaska' are dark green, lanceolate, glossy, alternate, toothed. They are about 3 - 8 cm in size.

Spread
Europe.

Frost hardiness
The Common holly 'Alaska' has good frost hardiness.

Growth
Common holly 'Alaska' is a dense and pyramidal large shrub. It usually reaches a height of 5 - 7 m and is approx. 2 - 3 m wide. Slow growing. It usually grows 10 - 15 cm per year.

Water
The plant has a medium water requirement.

Pruning
This plant is tolerant of pruning.

Location
Preferred location in a sunny to shady position.

Soil
Normal soil.

Planting time
Container plants can be planted all year round, except when the ground is frozen and in summer heat (over 30°C).

Care
- Cut and saw wounds as well as broken branches should be treated with a wound sealant as soon as possible to prevent pathogens from entering the plant. - A slow-release fertiliser can be used in spring. This releases the nutrients slowly and continuously so that the plant is evenly supplied over a longer period of time.

Fertiliser varieties
This plant is not self-fertile and needs support to bear fruit. The following plants are recommended as good pollinators: - Ilex meserveae 'Blue Prince'®.

Flower
The creamy white flowers appear from May to June.

Fruit
The red, round drupes of Ilex aquifolium 'Alaska' are particularly decorative. These appear from October and are small, and stick for a very long time.

Interesting facts
Plant or parts of the plant are poisonous.

Use
Hedge (pruning), solitary, group planting, topiary, bird food plant

Root
Ilex aquifolium 'Alaska' is a deep-rooting plant and, depending on the soil, forms finely branched roots.